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Boise State University Ordered to Pay $4 Million to Pro-Police Coffee Shop Owner

Sarah Fendley won the lawsuit after claiming her First Amendment rights were violated when her shop was removed from campus due to her pro-law enforcement stance.

  • Sarah Fendley, owner of Big City Coffee, was awarded $4 million after a jury found Boise State University violated her free speech rights.
  • Fendley claimed the university retaliated against her for displaying pro-police 'Thin Blue Line' stickers amid nationwide protests following George Floyd's death.
  • The jury awarded $3 million for lost business, reputational damage, and emotional distress, plus $1 million in punitive damages from the former VP of student affairs.
  • Boise State officials argued they did not retaliate and maintained they were protecting the First Amendment rights of all parties involved.
  • University administrators plan to appeal the verdict, asserting they acted to uphold free speech on campus.
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